Reviewed by Amanda Gazzard
Let’s do the time warp again… The cult musical, Richard O’Brien’s, The Rocky Horror Show has landed at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend.
The Usherette opens the show with, “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, where you then follow the story entwined with sexual tensions, innuendos and lots of sexy lingerie throughout.
Newly engaged couple Brad (James Darch) and Janet (Joanne Clifton) have experienced car trouble and have broken down. They find a creepy castle. Now all they need to do is hope someone is in and they have a working telephone.
Upon entering the castle, they are introduced to Transylvanian Transvestite, Frank N Furter (Stephen Webb) along with his minions Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe), Magenta/Usherette (Laura Harrison), Columbia (Miracle Chance), Rocky (Callum Evans) and Eddie/ Dr Scott (Ross Chisari).
Frank N Furter performed in heels so naturally and I must admit I was slightly jealous as he made it look so effortless.
The narrator Steve Punt was a combination of comedy mixed in with dry humour!
All of characters performed effortlessly and you could clearly see they were thoroughly enjoying themselves whilst remaining professional obviously!
The performance was immensely energetic throughout and the costumes were unquestionably brilliant.
The sets clearly defined where you were in the story and set changes were swift and clean.
The entire cast had fantastic voices and the songs truly show cased their talents to the fullest.
Now the true Rocky Horror fans did not appear disappoint and came in an array of risky costumes, so please do not be alarmed if you see woman and men walking around in fishnet stockings and ill-fitting basque’s and wigs prior to being seated or even seated next to. It’s part of the heritage after all.
By the end of the show all of the audience which, unfortunately and surprisingly, was not a full house were on their feet singing and dancing to the classic ‘The Time Warp’.
The die-hard Rocky Horror fans clearly showed the rest of us how much they love and admire The Rocky Horror Show as they were faultless with their audience participation parts which at times did get a bit taxing but that’s the ‘alternative pantomime’ for you and is more of personal choice than anything else if I am honest.
I would say this is a must-see performance but not as a family outing as is clearly for adult entertainment only.
All of the staff at The Cliffs Pavilion was helpful and polite. At the interval drinks and snacks are served swiftly and politely, Very impressed.
I would rate this performance a well-deserved 5 out of 5.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £27.50 to £49.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 29 July to 3 August 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135
